Neil Allen Hired as Twins Pitching Coach

Neil Allen has been named the new pitching coach of the Minnesota Twins. He joins manager Paul Molitor on a mostly new staff in Minneapolis.

Allen, 56, has served in the same capacity with the Durham Bulls for the past four seasons. Alongside Charlie Montoyo and Dave Myers, he has helped lead the Bulls to three division titles and a Governors' Cup Championship during his tenure. Under his tuteliage, an impressive crop of Durham hurlers including Matt Moore, Alex Cobb, Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi, have made their Tampa Bay Rays debuts. He joined the Rays organization in 2007, coaching in Montgomery (2007-2009) and Charlotte (2010) before coming to the Bull City.

"We are beyond excited for Neil and wish him the absolute best," said Durham Bulls General Manager Mike Birling. "His admired work with our pitching staff has helped lead to unprecedented success on the field, but we'll remember him most for the infectious positivity and energy that have made our ballpark a better place these last four seasons."

A veteran of 11 Major League seasons during his own pitching career, this is the Kansas native's second Major League coaching assignment, having served as the New York Yankees bullpen coach in 2005.